Dispatchers from 40 Ohio agencies participated in an in-service training this week that covered internet safety, K-9 calls, the Law Enforcement Automated Data System and other relevant topics. Monte Diegel of the Mercer County Sheriff's Office said the day was useful for new dispatchers and veterans alike.

The fire chief of Coitsville, Ohio, told the Mahoning County Commission that an outdated call routing system is leading to slow response times as he recommended that county fire services be centralized. "Centralizing dispatch is a big question and it's something the Fire Chiefs Association is looking at and wanting the [Council of Governments] to consider," said county commission board chair Audrey Tillis, who said primary infrastructure needs to be in place first.

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A legislative proposal in the Wisconsin legislature aims to provide tax credits to volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel to help alleviate a growing shortage. The refundable credits would apply to purchases of equipment and educational activities.

The mayor of Albuquerque, N.M., has proposed in his budget for the 2020 fiscal year that the city impose a cost recovery fee on drivers or their insurance companies following car accidents, with the generated revenue used to pay for additional firefighters. Budget documents estimate the measure would fund 12 additional firefighters for Albuquerque Fire Rescue.

An agreement between Liberty Defense and Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes paves the way for the state to participate in testing of the HEXWAVE concealed weapon detection product and introduce potential clients to its developers. John Mejia of the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah expressed concerns about use of the product resulting in identification of personal items such as insulin pumps along with unnecessary searches.

Drones are increasingly being used for purposes such as weather monitoring and infrastructure inspection, says an American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials survey. "Drones are a perfect tool for any job that is dangerous or dirty," says Jared Esselman of the Utah Department of Transportation.